The second night of Manchester Village Pride 2026 brought rain, but the event's atmosphere delivered joy and unity on Saturday. The day began with a parade through the city centre at lunchtime, featuring more than 12,000 people across 177 walking groups and floats. Organisations including George House Trust and LGBT Foundation took part to raise awareness.
Parade Highlights and Famous Faces
The ITV Pride float featured Coronation Street stars Catherine Tyldesley, Lucy Fallon, and Antony Cotton. This year's parade carried extra significance as the first under the newly established Manchester Village Pride, a community-led, not-for-profit event created after Manchester Pride Limited went into voluntary liquidation.
Representatives from supporting Gay Village businesses stood together at the start of the parade, with the Pride flag flying despite the rain. Canal Street became a catwalk as attendees wore sequins, rainbows, cowboy hats, and even a dog in sunglasses.
No Place Like Home Theme
Thousands of party-goers embraced the theme of No Place Like Home, inspired by The Wizard of Oz. The theme celebrated homecomings and Manchester's reputation as a welcoming, safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Groups dressed as Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow, while others wore drag outfits of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Many paid tribute to Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. The country music legend appeared as a cardboard cut-out in the parade and inspired signs, including 'Do It For Dolly'.
Live Performances and Community Spirit
Cleopatra delivered 90s girl band anthems and a 'Cleopatra Karaoke' session featuring renditions of Spice Girls, So Solid Crew, and Oasis. The songstresses told The Manchester Evening News: "The songs we released were always about uplifting and inspiring people, so being able to play events like Pride is always a great opportunity to just bring the fun."
Other sets came from Alison Jiear, Ghetto Fabulous, MEEK, and Manchester Proud Chorus, with speeches from Russell T Davies and Esther Ghey, who urged crowds to remember her daughter Brianna and 'to keep saying her name'. Gareth Gates performed a Boybands In The Buff show, including renditions of Blue's All Rise and N*Sync's Pop, during which he and his four friends stripped to their boxers.
On the Community Stage, Miss Betty Thunderthighs, winner of Drag Idol UK, closed with a rendition of Tina Turner's Proud Mary. Addressing the crowd, the drag performer said: "Be whoever the hell you wanna be, love whoever you wanna love, and please be smart enough to make that change in the world."
